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The roar of the engines, the screech of tires, the thrill of the race – these are the hallmarks of NASCAR, a sport built on speed and adrenaline. But with every passing season, legends retire, making way for new stars to rise. In 2017, the NASCAR world felt the weight of such a transition with the announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement. At 42, Earnhardt Jr-a name that spelt NASCAR royalty-was hanging his helmet at the end of the year, thus sending speculation ablaze among those who’d then be considered replacements to take his mantle.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was not any driver; he was carrying a legacy with him. The son of the iconic Dale Earnhardt Sr., “Junior” inherited not only his father’s name but also a love of racing and connection with the common man rivaled by few. A career punctuated with triumphs and tragedies pulled at the heartstrings of the NASCAR faithful like no other. His retirement signaled an end of an era, and now speculation began about the future of the sport and who would emerge as the new headline-making speedsters.
Who would the next big NASCAR name be? Who would go on to grab fans’ hearts and thrill crowds as this sport demands? This was the question that started surfacing. Searching for the new wave of racers, analysts and fans went about scouting future potential champions.
When someone like Earnhardt retires, a doorway opens to introduce new talents, making room for all those up-and-coming young star talents to burst through the doors and let loose on the field. Although his place may be impossible to replace with somebody with similar prestige as a legend, the sport continues to stay active with new characters in the storyline or rivalries that emerge with his retirement.
The world of NASCAR has evolved to involve young, consistent drivers honing their skills more and pushing their limits for speed. It is not about finding someone to replace Earnhardt Jr. but finding talents and charisma coupled with that competitive spirit in an individual who will help create the future of NASCAR. These are the drivers who will tell their stories, shape their legacies, and extend the thrills of motor racing to generations yet unborn.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Age and Early Life
Dale Earnhardt Jr. a.k.a. “Dale” was born on October 10, 1974, in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Brenda (nee Gee) and Dale Earnhardt Sr., a stock car racer and Hall of Famer. For Dale Jr., racing is in his blood and it has been a passion shared through the generations.
His maternal grandfather, Robert Gee, was a NASCAR car builder. Dale has three siblings: a brother named Kerry, and two sisters named Kelley and Taylor. Kerry is also a driver, as are his sons Jeffrey and Bobby.
Dale Jr.’s father died of a heart attack and from then on, he tried his best to prove himself. The family is also of German descent from his late father’s side.
Dale Earnhardt’s Net Worth
Dale Jr.’s net worth is reported at $225.0 million due to his successful racing career and endorsement deals. He drives the Chevrolet SS No. 88 for NASCAR and owns his racing team. For almost 20 years, Dale Jr. has been one of the faces of NASCAR and has followed a family legacy of experienced drivers.
He has also made cameos in movies such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Herbie: Fully Loaded, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Who knew you could make so much money driving around in a big circle?
Dale Earnhardt’s News
Just when fans were processing football star Jake Long‘s retirement news, Dale Jr. has some of his own. The 42-year-old racing star took to Twitter to announce his eventual retirement by the end of the 2017 season.
There will also be a press conference later on to discuss his decision further. After looking at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s stats, it’s hard to believe that he’s already retiring, leaving a spot for someone new to take over. The two-time Daytona 500 winner has been racing for 18 seasons and has accomplished 26 wins along the way.
He was also voted the most popular sports driver over 14 times and made his First Cup start in 1999. But like most success stories, his doesn’t come without a few obstacles.
During his career, Dale Jr. has suffered several concussions and has offered his brain to science for research, upon his death. It has been suspected that his previous injuries are the reason he is retiring.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Wife
The Earhardt-Reimann wedding took place last New Year’s Eve after marrying his longtime girlfriend, Amy Reinmann. The couple have no children at this time His wife took to Twitter recently to share how proud she was of her husband.
“I’m so proud of Dale for working so hard to get back and even prouder for his courage & self awareness to decide to retire. I’m sure God has many other great plans for him and us!”
